Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has been named the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season after a remarkable debut campaign in the German top flight. The Nigerian forward triumphed over Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen of Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, and Hoffenheim’s Maximilian Beier for the award, which was determined by public votes.

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The Bundesliga announced the accolade via X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, stating, “And the winner is Victor Boniface. Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface takes home the #BLRookie of the Season award from Sorare after making an instant impact in the Bundesliga — winning four Rookie of the Month trophies in a row. Congrats Victor!”

In response, Victor Boniface expressed gratitude to his supporters, particularly his Nigerian fanbase, by posting, “9ja no dey carry last. Thank you, guys,” on X.

The Akure-born striker has been instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen’s pursuit of their first Bundesliga title, which they clinched with five games to spare. Despite missing almost four months due to injury, Boniface has scored 13 goals and provided nine assists in 22 league games. His overall season tally stands at 20 goals and 10 assists in 32 matches across all competitions.

Boniface’s outstanding performances have not only secured him a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season but have also kept Leverkusen on track for an unbeaten league record, with the potential to finish the season undefeated in 34 matches.

The team currently holds a European record of 50 games unbeaten and is vying for a treble, with the Europa League final against Atalanta in Dublin and the DFB Pokal final against FC Kaiserslautern on May 25.

Thanks to his stellar form, Boniface is also a strong contender for the African Player of the Year Award, alongside compatriot Ademola Lookman, who has been exceptional for Atalanta in Serie A and European competitions.

Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in women’s 100m hurdles, has sent a clear message to her competitors following her exceptional performance this season.

Amusan, 27, set the world-leading time this year by clocking a blistering 12.40s at the Jamaican Athletics Invitational in Kingston.

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This remarkable feat comes on the heels of a disqualification setback at the Shanghai/Suzhou Diamond League, where she was disqualified for a false start but ran under protest.

The Nigerian athlete, who has won the Diamond League in three consecutive editions, expressed her elation at her victory in Jamaica.

She believes she’s in top form as she prepares to defend her title and aims for a podium finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11.

“This is the healthiest I’ve been. It’s a pain-free season compared to other years. I told myself I’m not getting a DQ today (on Sunday).

I’m not the best of starters, but looking at how I executed today, it could have been better, but I am thankful for the win,” Amusan told World Athletics as relayed by Making of Champions.

She won the race ahead of Jamaican and world champion, Danielle Williams, who finished second in 12.46s.

For most of the race, Tobi Amusan was behind Williams and America’s Nia Ali but surged ahead in the closing stages, beating the previous world-leading time of 12.42s set by Tonea Marshall of the USA.

Amusan’s season has been marked by significant achievements, including winning a third African Games title in Ghana and setting the African 60m indoor record twice.

She broke Glory Alozie’s mark of 7.82s set in 1999 by running 7.77s at the Astana Indoor Meet in Kazakhstan and later lowered it to 7.75s at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston.

With her current form, Tobi Amusan is undoubtedly a strong contender for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her competitors will certainly be watching her closely as the games approach.

As she confidently stated, “I’m not getting a DQ today. I’m not the best of starters, but looking at how I executed today, it could have been better, but I am thankful for the win.”

The Attom Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to providing eye care to people in need, is set to kick off the inaugural Charity Champions Cup at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on June 15, 2024.

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The Charity Champions Cup aims to raise funds and awareness to support eye care treatment for at least 10,000 Nigerians, particularly the elderly, affected by vision problems such as refractive errors, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.

The founder of Attom Foundation, Yahaya Attom, expressed his excitement about the upcoming event, which will feature a lineup of football legends and notable Nigerian celebrities. Among the celebrities set to participate in the charity game are Funnybone and Crazeclown, renowned comedians known for their philanthropic efforts.

“This is a thrilling project for us,” said Yahaya Attom. “We’re grateful for the support we’ve received so far. There’s still work to be done, but we’re confident we’ll achieve our goal of providing eye care to those in need.”

The Charity Champions Cup will showcase a star-studded lineup of football legends, including current African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen, former African Footballer of the Year winners El Hadji Diouf and Didier Drogba, as well as Nigerian football icons Kanu Nwankwo, Austin Okocha, Vincent Enyeama, amongst others

In addition to raising funds for eye care treatment, the Charity Champions Cup aims to promote unity and social impact through the power of football. Stanley Chibuna, popularly known as Funny Bone, emphasized the importance of using football as a driving force for social change, highlighting its ability to unite Nigerians from all walks of life.

The exhibition match will also feature current Super Eagles stars Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Kenneth Omeruo, alongside Super Falcons duo Asisat Oshoala and Michelle Alozie, further amplifying the event’s impact and reach.

The Attom Foundation invites the public to join them in supporting this noble cause and making a meaningful difference in the lives of Nigerians in need of eye care treatment.